(FiveNation.com)- A cheap grenade launcher is killing Russia’s newest battlefield tank, according to a report from the defense and national security website 19FortyFive. The T-90M Proryb-3 is Russia’s most advanced tank thus far, featuring a 125mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun that can fire standard ammunition and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
But the advanced tank that has caught the attention of many was recently destroyed by a cheap Swedish grenade launcher— the AT4, a shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon. The weapon is designed by Saab Bofors Dynamics for soldiers not using advanced equipment to take down tanks.
The video of the smoking tank was shared on social media.
https://twitter.com/MrKovalenko/status/1615165686476832769?s=20&t=MPcLhLlHr91SjzWPRTbq1Q
“92nd Brigade destroyed the most advanced multi-million Russian battle tank T-90M Proryv-3 (Breakthrough),” one journalist wrote.
The upgraded tanks, which are a modern variant of the 1994 MBT, were reportedly sent to the frontlines after being manufactured by UralVagonZavod, the country’s largest tank producer. The assembly lines are reportedly operating all day to meet the demands of the military in Russia’s year-long “special military campaign.”
The tank has caught the eye of the West for a series of new features, including its turret design, explosive armor, new cannon, improved communications features, and new powerful engine. But the defeat of the tank using a cheap grenade launcher may reportedly damper Russia’s effort in launching a new offensive that intelligence analysts and researchers believe Putin is preparing, according to The Hill.
One of these tanks was abandoned and captured after losing a track. An analyst speculates that the vehicle could be sent outside of Ukraine for further study.
Moscow also appears vulnerable as Ukraine enjoys soldier morale and Western backing. In an address in early January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the “masters of Russia” will undoubtedly “throw everything they have left” to try to change the tide of the war.
